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WCHS students visit D.C.
Special Olympics TN Photo.jpg
Photo provided Students representing Special Olympics Tennessee met with Senator Bill Hagerty and Senator Marsha Blackburn during their visit to Washington D.C. on Hill Day. Pictured, from left, are Natalee Kamau, Taven Black, Hagerty, Blackburn, Evan Cary, Loree DeArmond and Beth Teegarden

Three students from Warren County High School visited Washington D.C. representing Special Olympics Tennessee on Hill Day.

During their visit to D.C. students were given the opportunity to speak with multiple lawmakers and representatives, including Marsha Blackburn, Bill Hagerty, Tom Rose, Scott DesJarlais, Tim Burchett, Diana Harshbarger, Mark Green, David Kustoff and Chuck Flieshman. 

“It was a wonderful opportunity to go share their story about Special Olympics and the impact it has had on their lives,” SPED teacher Loree DeArmond said. “We were asking for continued support for Unified Champion Schools and the Healthy Athlete Program for Special Olympics.”

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is a program for schools Pre-K through university that promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments. Special Olympics utilizes three interconnected components: Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

Hill Day allows individuals to meet with legislators and other government officials to advocate for changes in policy and funding. Hill Days are held multiple times each year and allow members of groups like Special Olympics to share their stories with lawmakers. 

“The goal is to provide education and health screenings through partnerships with medical professionals and students completing medical training at state colleges and medical programs,” DeArmond said. “This is a win-win for all. Athletes are getting better care through these partnerships and in turn our upcoming medical professionals are getting a more diverse training for future patients.”

“Special Olympics Tennessee offers year round sports training in 17 sports,” DeArmond added. “Most team sports are offered as traditional or unified sports. WCHS is a unified champion school. We compete in unified sports of: flag football, basketball, bocce, cornhole, and pickleball. Special Olympics Tennessee has formed a partnership with TSSAA to promote high standards for unified sports in flag football, bowling, and track and field to date.”